A hike to the highest point of the Island of Andros, that partially follows Andros Routes 11 and 12. Andros island is most probably the most famous Cycladic Island to hike, thanks to a team of people that revived, maintained, signed and accented the old island trails. The route combines, sea, old paved trails, archaeological site, view and movement on a ridge line.

The route starts from Batsi Village ( Μπατσί ) at the west shore of the Island. Following the Andros Route 11, it ascends on old paved trail, reaching the Agia Anna Chappel at 300m elevation. It then leaves the route 11 and heads South, towards the Kuvara Mt NW ridge. Following faint livestock trails, it ascends on a beautiful landscape with rock formations, lonely trees and impressive view to the Aegean Sea bellow (this is most probably the prettiest part of the route) . It then reaches the 990m Kuvara summit, where an archaeological reconstruction is on progress. A 500 b.c signpost ( Φρυκτωρεία ) at the south part of the summit is still visible, while a 500 a.c christianic temple ( Αγ. Σαράντα ) is located at the west part of the summit. The route heads NE on a 6 km long ridgeline, mostly following a small dirtroad. The latter has been constructed recently, in order for the Cycladic Archaeological Bureau to reach the 990m easternmost Kuvara summit. Crossing most of the low prominent ridge line summits, the route reaches Pr.Ilias 997m summit, the highest on the island. Continuing NE, it catches the Andros 12 route and follows it's dense signs again. At 770m elevation the trail turns south and descends on paved trails towards the vegetated area of Vurkoti village ( Βουρκωτή ). An aforehead arrangement for a pick up has have to been made.

Water is only available at the Hamili Pigi fountain ( Χαμηλή Πηγή ) at 210m elevation, at the start of the route.

It is advised to wear trousers instead of shorts on the hike, since the ascent on the Kuvara NW Ridge follows faint trails with ankle to calf high harsh vegetation.

The part of the route that runs on Andros 11 and 12 Routes is densely signed.

Kuvara mt is also known as Petalo mt.

Total Distance: 14.5 km Elevation Gain: +1130m

The island presents 170km of marked trails. The blue line offers a 100km hiking trail with European certification. More info on www.androsroutes.gr .

949m

972m

Ag.Anna Chappel / Dirt Rd Crossroad

NIce chappel on a dirtroad crossing. We leave the Andros Route 11 and continue on the dirtroad that ascents to the SE.
At 37.86070N, 24.80496E

337 m

Waypoint

Andros Routes 11

Signpost for Andros Routes 11 at Batsi Beach. (Batsi-Katakoilos-A.Katakoilos-Arni).
Head East on the road for 50m or so, then turn North on the stairs.
The Route 16 starts off from Batsi as well ( Batsi-Ag.Petros ).

Ridge Faint Trail Fence

Hamili Pigi Fountain

Small Stone Hut with a fountain within. Water flowing ( July 2018 ).

0 m

Αρχαιολογική θέση

Kuvara 990m Ag.Saranta

Archaeological site. Nice view to the Aegean sea. Continue west on the ridge. A 500 b.c watchtower is visible at the south part of the summit. At the eastern part, the 500 a.c Ag.Saranta chappel ( in ruins ) is located where renovating archaeological work is in progress.

0 m

Πόρτα

Metal Fence Door in

The trail is blocked by a metal fence. There is a small tie rope that holds the door shut. Tight it again on after passing through.
At 37.86417N, 24.88610E

746 m

Πόρτα

Metal Fence Door Out

Fence door out.
At 37.86297N, 24.88654E

731 m

πηγή

Old Fountain

Old fountain, the flow if any is season dependable. ( July 2018 presented low flow ).

709 m

Waypoint

Path Andros Routes 11

Nice trail that ascents in a corridor between stone fences.

0 m

κορυφή

Pr.Ilias 997m

Highest peak of Kuvara Mt and on Andros Island. A topographic pillar surounded by a stone fence marks the spot.

1.034 m

Waypoint

Ridge Faint Trail

The faint deviating shepherd trails run along the bare ridge on ankle high harsh vegetation. We pick our way heading upwards.

600 m

Waypoint

RidgeLine DirtRoad

We follow a dirtroad that runs all along the ridge of the Mountain.

0 m

Waypoint

West Ridge Rock Formations

Interesting Rock formations on the ridge. Scaterred lonely trees. Nice view to the Aegean sea bellow. Most probably the best part of the route.

0 m

κορυφή

Rock Summit II Kuvara 952m

Kuvara 952m

0 m

κορυφή

Rock Summit Kuvara 960m

Nice summit a bit off the dirt road to the SE. Rock formations.

1.019 m

πηγή

Livestock Waterer

Livestock waterer. There is water flow through the pipe, but not sure whether the water is drinkable.
At 37.84097N, 24.82717E

852 m

Waypoint

Slope

Final push to the summit. Bare slope. We aim upwards to the visible summit.

934 m

Waypoint

Stairs

We start the ascent on stairs betwwen houses. Signs for Andros trail 11.

0 m

Waypoint

Tarmac Rd

The trail runs on the tarmac rd for 100m or so.

0 m

Σταυροδρόμι

Trail 11 Crossroad

Trail fork. The trail 11 continues to the left while a deviation splits off to the right marked as 11a trai ( Hamili Pigi-A.Aprovatu )l. It is possible to pick 11a trail and then turn left to the first or the second dirtrd.

0 m

Waypoint

Trail to Kuvara

We leave the dirtroad and carry on on the slope. Faint deviating shepherd tracks. We pick our way aiming to the ridge. Ankle high harsh vegetation.

0 m

Waypoint

Trail to DirtRd

The trail continues as a dirt rd towards Ag.Anna Chappel.

0 m

Waypoint

Trail Turn

The 12 trail turns south and descents for a few meters on a small dirt road. It then runs along a stone fence.